The Romberg Test: Measuring Balance Impairment in MS

What they’ve experienced is not clumsiness or a sudden bout of dizziness.

It is a sensory effect known as Romberg’s sign or the loss ofproprioception.

Proprioception is an ability many often take for granted.

Many people refer to proprioception as the “sixth sense.”

In addition to balance, you use proprioception to walk, eat, and pick up objects.

Walking difficulties (or problems with gait) are some of the most common mobility impediments in MS.

Walking difficulties are related to several factors:

Sensation and movement are inextricably linked.

What Is the Romberg Test?

The Romberg test is the gold standard for measuring proprioception.

You are asked to walk in a straight line and to place one foot in front of the other.

The location of MS lesions is usually key to understanding the problem.

Many factors go into making a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Walking (gait) difficulties.

Northwestern University, Science in Society.Helix Magazine, “Proprioception: Your Sixth Sense.”